Cart has been sitting - Battery Guidance/Concern

[adrianp89]

Hello everyone,

I recently picked up an 2001 TXT 36v that has been sitting for a few years (to the best of my knowledge). Cart is in rough shape and does not run. I am completely new to golf carts, I have been reading what I can but it is a lot to take in.

Batteries do not show any voltage, so I took one out to examine. It looks like it has expanded in several areas. Gut tells me to recycle them but figured I'd check in to see if they might be salvageable to test the rest of the cart. The charger it came with does not trigger on, but I figured that might be because the batteries are so dead.

I plan to do a full frame off re-build for the cart so no concern if they are dead but would have liked to see what else is/is not working on the cart.

Also, I have a connection to get deep cycle car audio batteries significantly cheap (~75% off retail). I understand my range may be limited here, but has anyone else used these for a 48v system? Adding to my lack of knowledge, can I convert this to a 72v cart and use those type of batteries? Range isn't much of a concern, I really only need 10-15 miles in a worst case scenario. I'd rather have it get as quick as possible.

Thank you for your help.

[rib33024]

There is no way you will get 15 miles on deep cycle car batteries. A golf cart with golf cart batteries will only get around 20 range before it needs to be charged

[rockfordpi]

Originally Posted by adrianp89

Hello everyone,

I recently picked up an 2001 TXT 36v that has been sitting for a few years (to the best of my knowledge). Cart is in rough shape and does not run. I am completely new to golf carts, I have been reading what I can but it is a lot to take in.

Batteries do not show any voltage, so I took one out to examine. It looks like it has expanded in several areas. Gut tells me to recycle them but figured I'd check in to see if they might be salvageable to test the rest of the cart. The charger it came with does not trigger on, but I figured that might be because the batteries are so dead.

I plan to do a full frame off re-build for the cart so no concern if they are dead but would have liked to see what else is/is not working on the cart.

Also, I have a connection to get deep cycle car audio batteries significantly cheap (~75% off retail). I understand my range may be limited here, but has anyone else used these for a 48v system? Adding to my lack of knowledge, can I convert this to a 72v cart and use those type of batteries? Range isn't much of a concern, I really only need 10-15 miles in a worst case scenario. I'd rather have it get as quick as possible.

Thank you for your help.

Batteries are likely toast, I would not waste time with them. Also, would not even consider deep cycle car batteries. This has been discussed here ad nauseum and if you search you will find the consensus is that it is a bad move.

[Mooncarter]

Yes, do yourself a favor and get golf cart batteries as the pros above suggest.

There is no substitute for them and you will be money ahead and happier in the long run.

[scottyb]

Golf Cart batteries are unique because of the high draw they can take. The cart may at times draw 300 amps... those deep cycle are good for 20 - 30 amps max. So the golf cart will tear them up.

And when it comes to batteries the bigger the better. Get the highest amperage capacity you can afford. Anything cheap will cost more in the long run.

Most old carts I found set aside just needed batteries and minor fixes to run.
Good Luck

[adrianp89]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Golf Cart batteries are unique because of the high draw they can take. The cart may at times draw 300 amps... those deep cycle are good for 20 - 30 amps max. So the golf cart will tear them up.

And when it comes to batteries the bigger the better. Get the highest amperage capacity you can afford. Anything cheap will cost more in the long run.

Most old carts I found set aside just needed batteries and minor fixes to run.
Good Luck

I am curious to know more here. Car Audio deep cycles are designed to handle 300+ amp draws. SPL guys can draw well over 1000 amps in competition of course with is with a battery pack wired in parallel. Peak discharge on the battery I was thinking about is 3100A. I know the Amp hours are lower (about half) but not sure how that translates into run time/battery life. A positive for me would be not having to check water levels or any of that crap, I much prefer a sealed battery. The cart will only be used a few times a month at best.

[Bama Brad]

Go Lithium?